Hunting:

General season for Antelope and Pheasant season opens this Saturday, October 8th. Archery for Deer or Elk is also open and General season is fast approaching; opening on October 22nd.

Grouse, Fall Turkey, and Partridge season are open, as well. Duck and Goose last weekend in both flyways and both zones—and with these cold weeks—we should start seeing birds in the sky soon. So swing on into Bob Wards for all your hunting needs.

Fishing:

Canyon Ferry: The trout bite is still decent and if you want to avoid some traffic (by way of waterfowl hunters) head up to the north end and chase some trout. If you’re fishing from shore you try snap jigging some night crawlers or try casting out some good old fashion marshmallows. For walleye right now the game is about depth…with colder water temps walleye are going to be a bit deeper than they were a couple of months ago. If you got your boat, it’s time to let your down-riggers do some work and try trolling in 25+’ of water and don’t hesitate to try testing out the different depths. Once you get into one or two walleye at a certain depth stay there and jig some night crawlers off a perch colored jig, for best results.

Helena Valley Reservoir: It’s snagging season at the reservoir. Swing on in and pick up some treble hooks and weights and get ready to hook-up some salmon. Salmon have been a bit touch and go but should start picking up as the channel opens up and they can start staking up.

Missouri River: It’s Autumn and nymphing has been the hot ticket by far making early October a great time to go out for some fall fishing. I’d recommend bringing along your favorite BWO or mayfly nymphs like some Tiny BWO (sz 20), smaller mayflies, and Pheasant Tails (sz 12). Don’t forget to bring some split shot to get your nymphs down probably about a 5’ length. If you try the water this weekend and the clouds roll in on you and the rain falls don’t hesitate switching back to some dry fly action with a October Caddis and snag a few off the surface. Water temps and air on the river is colder now so don’t forget to swing in the store and grab some hand warmers and neoprene gloves to help keep you comfortable on the water.